From the moment I first used my Burley bike trailer, I was immediately impressed. In fact, I often say it’s the single most essential piece of baby gear we ever owned. We managed just fine without many of the usual baby gadgets – bouncy seats, baby videos, even bottles and a crib in the early days. It truly makes you wonder how families managed before the convenience and freedom offered by bike trailers.
My Burley trailer, now a venerable veteran, continues to amaze me. I purchased it secondhand five years ago, believing it was a relatively recent model. However, I recently discovered its true history: my colleague had also bought it used from a friend who had enjoyed it for several years. While its exact origins are a bit of a mystery, we estimate this trusty trailer is around 12 years old – twice the age of its current main passenger, my daughter Olivia. It’s so old, in fact, that it bears no resemblance to the sleek, aerodynamic, and distinctively yellow and blue Burley trailers you see today. Mine is a vintage model, through and through.
Yet, I have absolutely no desire for a newer model. My old Burley does everything we need it to, a testament to the enduring design and quality of the Eugene, Oregon-based Burley company, which has been perfecting bike trailers for over 27 years (though they were just teenagers in trailer years when my model was made!). It handles corners with surprising agility and smooths out bumps so effectively that Olivia often encourages me to find more – even when she’s in her preferred spot in the rear cargo area! Its age and extensive use are visible in the faded colors and a ripped section of the back netting – which Olivia actually sees as a bonus, providing her own private entrance and exit. We’ve replaced the safety latch a couple of times, but sourcing parts has been incredibly easy. The only real issue we encountered was when Olivia was very small. The trailer felt too spacious for a tiny infant, and we had to pad the cabin with blankets and pillows to keep her secure. I’m not sure if this issue has been addressed in newer Burley models.
A father enjoys a bike ride with his daughter Olivia in a classic Burley bike trailer. This durable Burley trailer is highlighted for its longevity and reliability, even after years of use.
Burley’s website proudly states that their products are “made to last a lifetime.” While we might not quite reach the literal lifetime mark with this trailer, it has certainly proven its longevity. Olivia is determined to ride her own two-wheeler by the end of summer, and even if she doesn’t, I don’t think I can keep towing her around for much longer! But when you consider the cumulative years of service this Burley trailer has provided to various children, it truly adds up, highlighting the lasting value and durability of Burley Bike Trailers.
